Top 10 Vocational Career Options in 2015

Tradition in our country dictates that after high school we apply to colleges and then spend 4 years earning our Bachelor’s. But do we really need 4 years of (debt inducing) education to have a successful career? The answer: NO! There are several, high paying vocational careers you can get into that only require 2-3 years of special training. Here are the top 10:

1. Paralegal
How-to-Become-a-Paralegal
With an associate’s degree and an internship, a paralegal can work in a private law firm or for their local government. Their responsibilities include:

• Researching case facts
• Creating contracts
• Gathering evidence for cases
• Scheduling depositions
Paralegals make a median of $46,990 annually and job outlook will rise an encouraging 17% by 2022.

2. Hairstylist/Cosmetologist
cosmetoogist2
Because beauty never goes out of style there will always be jobs for hairdressers and cosmetologists. A comprehensive cosmetology program at a beauty school such as Marinello will train you with hands-on experience. A cosmetologist’s skills include:

• Cutting and styling hair
• Applying makeup
• Performing manicures
• Advising on facial treatments
The median wage of a cosmetologist or hairstylist is $22,770 a year, not including tips. Cosmetologists can find work as soon as they graduate and get licensed.

3. Web Developer
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With a job outlook of 20% and a median wage of $62,500 annually, a career as a web developer can make one very successful. The required education is an associate’s degree in web design. Web developers should also:

• Know HTML + common programming languages
• Stay up to date with latest developments in the field
• Design, create and run websites
• Monitor and modify websites

4. Carpenter
carpenter-540
Although there are no formal educational requirements to becoming a carpenter, completing a carpentry program at a training school like Everest College is advisable. Most carpenters enter the field through apprenticeship. Some of a carpenter’s duties include:

• Reading blueprints
• Measuring and cutting wood
• Installing doors, windows, cabinets
• Constructing building framework
A carpenter’s median annual wage is $39,940 and employment rates will increase 24% – faster than average – by 2022.

5. Heavy Vehicle Service Technician
truckmechanic
By completing a heavy vehicle mechanics program at a vocational school, a heavy vehicle mechanic can be earning $43,820 a year. Some things they do on the job are:

• Repair large machines (ex. cranes)
• Carry out scheduled maintenance of equipment
• Test engines and electrical systems
• Read blueprints and manuals

6. Aircraft Mechanic
aircraftmechanic
Aircraft mechanics perform scheduled maintenance, repairs and also identify malfunctioning components in airplanes and helicopters. As of 2012, the median annual wage of an aircraft mechanic is $55,210. To qualify for such a position you must:
• Get training and certification from a Federal Aviation Administration approved aviation maintenance school
• OR get trained in the military
• Pass all FAA exams within 2 years

7. Commercial Pilot
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To qualify as a commercial pilot, a high school diploma/GED and getting a commercial pilot’s license from the FAA is the minimum requirement. Further training may be required depending on the type of flying involved. Commercial pilots:

• Transport people and cargo
• Work on irregular schedules
• Perform rescue operations
• Spray pesticide on fields
Experienced commercial pilots earn a median annual salary of $73,280.
The demand for more workers in the medicine industry will increase in the coming years. Dental hygiene, registered nursing and radiation therapy are all promising career options. To qualify for any of these positions you must:
• Have an associate’s degree in the particular field
• Be licensed in the state you practice in

8. Dental Hygienist
Dental-Hygiene
Dental hygienists earn a median wage of $70,210 per year and the job outlook is a whopping 33%. They perform duties such as:

• Advise patients on oral health techniques
• Take dental x-rays
• Clean plaque from and apply sealant to teeth
• Maintain patient treatment plans

9. Registered Nurse
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RN’s perform a variety of duties that include:

• Consulting with doctors regarding patients
• Administering patients’ treatment
• Operating medical equipment
• Recording patients’ medical history
RNs have an annual median wage of $65,470 per year and their job outlook is higher than average at 19%.

10. Radiation Therapist
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Radiation therapists work mostly with cancer patients alongside other cancer specialists. In addition to having a license, radiation therapists must also be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Their duties include:

• Following safety procedures
• Operating linear accelerator machines
• Monitoring patients’ reactions
• Explaining the process to patients
Radiation therapists earn an average of $77,560 a year and their job outlook is a promising 24%.
Could one of these careers be meant for you? All 10 of these jobs titles guarantee job satisfaction, good earnings and a respectable career – all without a college education.

*All statistics and information is relayed from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gv)
Resources:
http://howtobecomeaparalegalhq.org/
http://www.getmeasalary.com/cosmetologist-salary-how-much-can-they-earn/
http://www.marinello.com/programs/hair-care/cosmetology.aspx
http://www.sowedane.com/blog/hire-web-developers/
http://www.prescreenedcontractors.us/carpenter.htm
http://news.volvogroup.com/2013/10/07/proactive-approach-to-truck-maintenance/


http://www.aviationenglishacademy.com.au/enrol/index.php?id=7
http://www.dentalflipper.org/dental-hygiene/
http://www.careerprofiles.info/nurse-career.html
http://www.onlinedegrees.org/degrees/radiation-therapy/